What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that features the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a "cushion" between the bones of the joints.Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After 55 years of age, it occurs more frequently in females.
Causes:
- Mechanical injury
- Overweight
- Loss of strength in muscles supporting joints
- Impairment of peripheral nerves, leading to sudden or uncoordinated movements that overstress joints.
- aging joints
Symptoms:
Joint pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis may affect any joint, including the hand, wrist, neck, back, knee, and hip.
